Industry Snapshot: Canadian pork demand suffers at the altar of export markets

Toronto – June 22, 2022 – According to the most recent outlook by Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting, domestic demand for pork may be suffering as a result of producers seeking higher profits from U.S. export markets.

The report notes reduced availability of domestic pork in Canadian grocery stores can be linked to a focus on exports, which account for nearly 70 percent of production. U.S. demand for pork continues to increase, with producers seeing higher profits in export markets than through domestic consumption.

Features on grocery flyers and shelf space have been suffering as a result of pinched demand, with product availability being the primary culprit. Even though pork remains price-competitive in the meat bunker, chicken and beef continue to eat up market share as a result of availability concerns.

Overcoming this problem and bringing pork back to market relevance, grocers and producers need to focus on the value of the Canadian pork market and bring real demand back in line with consumer preferences.